No More Excuses: How to Fit Writing into Your Life with Just 10 Minutes a Day

Are you passionate about writing but struggle to find the time to pursue your dream of crafting a fictional novel? Do you feel overwhelmed by your busy schedule, wishing you could incorporate writing into your hectic life? In our post, No More Excuses: How to Fit Writing into Your Life in Just 10 Minutes a Day, we outline practical strategies to help you write a book and kickstart your author journey—one manageable step at a time.

Are you passionate about writing but struggle to find the time to pursue your dream of crafting a fictional novel? Do you feel overwhelmed by your busy schedule, wishing you could incorporate writing into your hectic life?

In our post, No More Excuses: How to Fit Writing into Your Life in Just 10 Minutes a Day, we outline practical strategies to help you write a book and kickstart your author journey—one manageable step at a time.

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10 Questions to Consider Before Starting a New Writing Group

Have you ever thought about starting your own writing group? The idea of connecting regularly with fellow writers can be incredibly appealing. Who better to share your writing journey with than those who share your passion? Collaborating with others can also provide valuable opportunities for constructive feedback that can significantly enhance your stories. To help you get started and avoid potential pitfalls, consider these 10 Questions to Consider Before Starting a New Writing Group.

Have you ever thought about starting your own writing group? The idea of connecting regularly with fellow writers can be incredibly appealing. Who better to share your writing journey with than those who share your passion? Collaborating with others can also provide valuable opportunities for constructive feedback that can significantly enhance your stories.

To help you get started and avoid potential pitfalls, consider these 10 Questions to Consider Before Starting a New Writing Group.

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What is NaNoWriMo? How This Fun Challenge Can Kickstart Your Novel

Curious about NaNoWriMo? Discover how this exciting 30-day writing challenge can help you finally start your novel! Whether you’re an aspiring writer or just looking for a creative boost, NaNoWriMo pushes you to write 50,000 words in November and provides a supportive community to keep you motivated. Learn all the essentials and tips to make the most of this transformative experience. Ready to kickstart your writing journey? Dive into our blog post and find out more!

Curious about NaNoWriMo? Discover how this exciting 30-day writing challenge can help you finally start your novel! Whether you’re an aspiring writer or just looking for a creative boost, NaNoWriMo pushes you to write 50,000 words in November and provides a supportive community to keep you motivated. Learn all the essentials and tips to make the most of this transformative experience. Ready to kickstart your writing journey? Dive into our blog post and find out more!

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How to Create a Basic Outline of a Fictional Novel with Characters, Plot, and Setting in One

Looking for a faster, easier way to brainstorm a new story idea? Wondering where to begin—characters, plot, or setting? You can start with any of these elements, but it’s essential to consider how they interconnect, as adjustments may be necessary to craft a cohesive story that works. How to Outline a Fictional Novel with Characters, Plot, and Setting in One Day offers a set of insightful questions designed to help you create a basic outline for your new fictional story—all in a single session.

Looking for a faster, easier way to brainstorm a new story idea? Wondering where to begin—characters, plot, or setting? You can start with any of these elements, but it’s essential to consider how they interconnect, as adjustments may be necessary to craft a cohesive story that works.

How to Outline a Fictional Novel with Characters, Plot, and Setting in One Day offers a set of insightful questions designed to help you create a basic outline for your new fictional story—all in a single session.

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100 Essential Writing and Publishing Terms All Authors Should Know

100 Essential Writing and Publishing Terms All Authors Should Know

Entering the world of writing and publishing can feel overwhelming, especially with all the jargon and industry-specific terms thrown around. Whether you’re just starting your writing journey or looking to expand your knowledge, this comprehensive guide will help you understand the most important terms and abbreviations. Let’s dive into 100 essential terms that every author…

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How to Create ‘Rising Conflict’ in Your Fiction Novel

‘Rising Conflict’ in a fictional novel adds tension, moves the story forward, and helps create character change. But what exactly is rising conflict? Does every book need conflict? And what is the difference between internal and external conflict? In How to Create ‘Rising Conflict’ in Your Fiction Novel, we address each of these questions and show you step-by-step how to create rising conflict at the scene and overall story level to write a riveting book your readers will love.

‘Rising Conflict’ in a fictional novel adds tension, moves the story forward, and helps create character change. But what exactly is rising conflict? Does every book need conflict? And what is the difference between internal and external conflict?

In How to Create ‘Rising Conflict’ in Your Fiction Novel, we address each of these questions and show you step-by-step how to create rising conflict at the scene and overall story level to write a riveting book your readers will love.

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Fiction Writing: How to Make Your Character’s Unique

Do you struggle to create unique characters for your fictional novel? How do you let your reader know that your main character is a worthy hero? How do you reveal your character’s personality without telling or using dialogue? In Fiction Writing: How to Make Your Character’s Unique, we discuss the use of body language, clothing, transportation, food, drink, mannerisms, speech, physical markings, and scents & smells to help you create unique characters your readers will love.

Do you struggle to create unique characters for your fictional novel? How do you let your reader know that your main character is a worthy hero? How do you reveal your character’s personality without telling or using dialogue?

In Fiction Writing: How to Make Your Character’s Unique, we discuss the use of body language, clothing, transportation, food, drink, mannerisms, speech, physical markings, and scents & smells to help you create unique characters your readers will love.

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Fiction Writing: When to Start a New Paragraph?

Do you know when to start a new paragraph in your fictional novel? Did you know that paragraphing can be different for popular fiction than if you are writing non-fiction, literary fiction, or a story for English composition class? That is because popular (or genre fiction) is designed to hook the reader and entertain, often by utilizing stylistic effects. In Fiction Writing: When to Start a New Paragraph? we discuss 10 times you should be indenting the text for maximum story impact.

Do you know when to start a new paragraph in your fictional novel? Did you know that paragraphing can be different for popular fiction than if you are writing non-fiction, literary fiction, or a story for English composition class? That is because popular (or genre fiction) is designed to hook the reader and entertain, often by utilizing stylistic effects.

In Fiction Writing: When to Start a New Paragraph? we discuss 10 times you should be indenting the text for maximum story impact.

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Author Interview with Jeri Stockdale: Writing a 3-Book Series

Join us for a fun and informative Author Chat with Jeri Stockdale: Writing a 3-Book Series. In this interview, Christian Historical Romance author, Jeri Stockdale, talks about the writing life, her path to publishing, and what she learned from Writing a 3-Book Series. Writing a series of novellas back-to-back has many challenges, and she gives a realistic view of the time involved and offers aspiring writers tips on how to plot, edit, and promote a fictional story.

Join us for a fun and informative Author Chat with Jeri Stockdale: Writing a 3-Book Series.
In this interview, Christian Historical Romance author, Jeri Stockdale, talks about the writing life, her path to publishing, and what she learned from Writing a 3-Book Series. Writing a series of novellas back-to-back has many challenges, and she gives a realistic view of the time involved and offers aspiring writers tips on how to plot, edit, and promote a fictional story.

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How to Use Setting “Props” to Intensify Your Story

What exactly is a “prop” in a fictional story? How can you use props to spice up a particular scene or increase the conflict on the pages of your novel? In our post, How to Use Setting “Props” to Intensify Your Story, we discuss 3 ways you can use items in the setting to write vivid description, reveal character, and elevate the conflict.

What exactly is a “prop” in a fictional story? How can you use props to spice up a particular scene or increase the conflict on the pages of your novel?

In our post, How to Use Setting “Props” to Intensify Your Story, we discuss 3 ways you can use items in the setting to write vivid description, reveal character, and elevate the conflict.

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How to Write Your Very First Fiction Novel

Have you ever thought of writing a book? Do you need help coming up with a story idea or creating a working outline? How do you create a cast of characters? Do you need a villain? What is a simple way to plot if you do not have any experience? What are the basics you need to know to get started? In our post, How to Write Your Very First Fiction Novel, we go over the first steps you need to take to turn your story idea into a working manuscript that you can be proud of.

Have you ever thought of writing a book? Do you need help coming up with a story idea or creating a working outline? How do you create a cast of characters? Do you need a villain? What is a simple way to plot if you do not have any experience?
What are the basics you need to know to get started?
In our post, How to Write Your Very First Fiction Novel, we go over the first steps you need to take to turn your story idea into a working manuscript that you can be proud of.

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A Beginner’s Guide to the Top 10 Genres for Popular Fiction

Would you like to write a book? Have you started writing but aren’t sure where your novel fits in the marketplace? If you are new to writing, you must first decide—What kind of story do you want to write? Thriller, fantasy, mystery, romance? Each genre (category) of fiction features different kinds of characters, setting, plot, and yes, even story resolutions. In A Beginner’s Guide to the Top 10 Genres for Popular Fiction, we help you decide what kind of story is best for you.

Would you like to write a book? Have you started writing but aren’t sure where your novel fits in the marketplace? If you are new to writing, you must first decide—What kind of story do you want to write? Thriller, fantasy, mystery, romance? Each genre (category) of fiction features different kinds of characters, setting, plot, and yes, even story resolutions.

In A Beginner’s Guide to the Top 10 Genres for Popular Fiction, we help you decide what kind of story is best for you.

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How to Use ‘The Hero’s Journey’ to Plot Your Novel

If you are writing a novel for the first time or are confused by 3-Act Structures and Plot Points, you may want to use the steps of The Hero’s Journey, first outlined by Joseph Campbell, as a guide. Learn how to take your characters on an epic 12-stage journey of transformation as they overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. In How to Use ‘The Hero’s Journey’ to Plot Your Novel, we explain each step, allowing you to plot a stronger, emotionally satisfying story from beginning to end.

If you are writing a novel for the first time or are confused by 3-Act Structures and Plot Points, you may want to use the steps of The Hero’s Journey, first outlined by Joseph Campbell, as a guide. Learn how to take your characters on an epic 12-stage journey of transformation as they overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

In How to Use ‘The Hero’s Journey’ to Plot Your Novel, we explain each step, allowing you to plot a stronger, emotionally satisfying story from beginning to end.

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Top 10 Fiction Edits to Make Your Story Better

Are you searching for simple editing tips to elevate your fictional novel from good to great? Do you wish you had a checklist to guide you through the process? If you're new to self-editing and don't know where to begin, we've got you covered. In our post, Top 10 Fiction Edits to Make Your Story Better, we delve into the ten most effective edits that will help transform your writing, creating a novel that is strong, concise, and captivating to your readers.

Are you searching for simple editing tips to elevate your fictional novel from good to great? Do you wish you had a checklist to guide you through the process? If you’re new to self-editing and don’t know where to begin, we’ve got you covered.

In our post, Top 10 Fiction Edits to Make Your Story Better, we delve into the ten most effective edits that will help transform your writing, creating a novel that is strong, concise, and captivating to your readers.

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25 Quotes Every Writer Needs to Overcome Writer’s Block

We all know the struggle of staring at a blank page, waiting for motivation or inspiration to strike. That's why we've put together this handy list of 25 Quotes Every Writer Needs to Overcome Writer’s Block. Consider it your virtual pep talk, delivered straight to your screen, to kick that writer's block to the curb and get you back in the zone!

We all know the struggle of staring at a blank page, waiting for motivation or inspiration to strike. That’s why we’ve put together this handy list of 25 Quotes Every Writer Needs to Overcome Writer’s Block. Consider it your virtual pep talk, delivered straight to your screen, to kick that writer’s block to the curb and get you back in the zone!

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10 Tips for Using Flashbacks in Your Fictional Novel

A flashback in a fictional novel is a scene that happened in the past to show characterization, motivation, or explain a facet of the present story. But how do you transition in and out of a flashback scene? How many are too many? Are there rules to writing flashbacks? In 10 Tips for Using Flashbacks in Your Fictional Novel, we discuss how to write clear, concise, plot-driven flashback scenes that will strengthen the story and hook your reader.

A flashback in a fictional novel is a scene that happened in the past to show characterization, motivation, or explain a facet of the present story. But how do you transition in and out of a flashback scene? How many are too many? Are there rules to writing flashbacks?

In 10 Tips for Using Flashbacks in Your Fictional Novel, we discuss how to write clear, concise, plot-driven flashback scenes that will strengthen the story and hook your reader.

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How to Use Framing Techniques in Your Fictional Novel

The term ‘Framing’ or using ‘Bookends’ refers to a technique in novel writing where the author creates similar passages at the start and finish of a story, or individual chapter or scene. Similar, but different. It is the tiny changes that give your story that exciting twist, satisfying closure, or added meaning. In How to Use Framing Technique in Your Fictional Novel, we show you how to use framing on three levels to improve your writing skills, enhance your story, and thrill readers.

The term ‘Framing’ or using ‘Bookends’ refers to a technique in novel writing where the author creates similar passages at the start and finish of a story, or individual chapter or scene. Similar, but different. It is the tiny changes that give your story that exciting twist, satisfying closure, or added meaning.

In How to Use Framing Technique in Your Fictional Novel, we show you how to use framing on three levels to improve your writing skills, enhance your story, and thrill readers.

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How to Create a Deadline for Your Fictional Novel

The difference between a goal and a dream is that a goal has a deadline, a targeted finish date. Is it your goal to write and finish a book? Do you have an action plan? Or does the whole process feel overwhelming? Even if you do not have a book contract you should aim for a date of completion to help keep you on track. In our post, How to Create a Deadline for Your Fictional Novel, we show you how to calculate your finish date and set up milestones to mark your progress toward a finished book.

The difference between a goal and a dream is that a goal has a deadline, a targeted finish date. Is it your goal to write and finish a book? Do you have an action plan? Or does the whole process feel overwhelming? Even if you do not have a book contract you should aim for a date of completion to help keep you on track.

In our post, How to Create a Deadline for Your Fictional Novel, we show you how to calculate your finish date and set up milestones to mark your progress toward a finished book.

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Learn to Plot Fiction Writing Series: Story Analysis of the movie “Jurassic World”

The best way to learn story structure is to analyze good stories. Can you readily identify each plot point in every movie you see or book you read? Or do terms like ‘inciting incident,’ ‘midpoint reversal,’ and ‘black moment’ leave you confused? In our Learn to Plot Fiction Writing Series: Story Analysis of the movie “Jurassic World” we show you how to recognize each element and provide a Free Plot Template so you can draft satisfying, high-quality stories of your own.

The best way to learn story structure is to analyze good stories. Can you readily identify each plot point in every movie you see or book you read? Or do terms like ‘inciting incident,’ ‘midpoint reversal,’ and ‘black moment’ leave you confused?

In our Learn to Plot Fiction Writing Series: Story Analysis of the movie “Jurassic World” we show you how to recognize each element and provide a Free Plot Template so you can draft satisfying, high-quality stories of your own.

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Fiction Writing: Create Character Profiles (with Free Questionnaire)

If you are planning to write a new story or need to add a character to your fiction novel, a handy fill-in-the-blank questionnaire can help define your character’s personality in a flash. Beyond name, age, and hair color, our post, Fiction Writing: Create Character Profiles (with Free Questionnaire) helps you identify personality traits for your cast of characters that strengthen the story, intensify conflict, and enhance the plot.

If you are planning to write a new story or need to add a character to your fiction novel, a handy fill-in-the-blank questionnaire can help define your character’s personality in a flash.

Beyond name, age, and hair color, our post, Fiction Writing: Create Character Profiles (with Free Questionnaire) helps you identify personality traits for your cast of characters that strengthen the story, intensify conflict, and enhance the plot.

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Top 7 Books to Make You a Super-Productive Writer

Looking for a way to crank out more written pages? Or wish you could find more time to write in general? Is your calendar or overly ambitious to-do list out of control? How can you write more books if you are always tired, overwhelmed, and feeling like you are always behind? Our post, 7 Best Books on Productivity to Boost Your Fiction Writing to the Next Level, can help you discover ways to reduce stress, organize your day, and make you more productive than you ever thought possible.

Looking for a way to crank out more written pages? Or wish you could find more time to write in general? Is your calendar or overly ambitious to-do list out of control? How can you write more books if you are always tired, overwhelmed, and feeling like you are always behind?

Our post, 7 Best Books on Productivity to Boost Your Fiction Writing to the Next Level, can help you discover ways to reduce stress, organize your day, and make you more productive than you ever thought possible.

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How to Boost Your Productivity and Get Your Novel Written

Do you have trouble finding time to write? Or do you wish you could increase your daily wordcount but find personal obligations and the other things on your to-do list keep getting in the way? Do you procrastinate? Do you find yourself eager to get your pages written then get derailed by interruptions? In our post, How to Boost Your Productivity and Get Your Novel Written, we give you tips and advice to set up the right habits that will allow you to focus, take back your time, and write.

Do you have trouble finding time to write? Or do you wish you could increase your daily wordcount but find personal obligations and the other things on your to-do list keep getting in the way? Do you procrastinate? Do you find yourself eager to get your pages written then get derailed by interruptions?

In our post, How to Boost Your Productivity and Get Your Novel Written, we give you tips and advice to set up the right habits that will allow you to focus, take back your time, and write.

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How to Write a Novel with the W-Plot Template

Do you struggle with plotting? A simple, easy-to-follow template for writing a fictional story is the W-Plot, perfect for both new writers and non-plotters. The W-Plot structure allows you freedom to create yet keeps your story on track all the way to that grand satisfying end. In our post, How to Write a Novel with the W-Plot Template, we break down each step to take the frustration out of plotting and give you tips to write a story readers will love.

Do you struggle with plotting? A simple, easy-to-follow template for writing a fictional story is the W-Plot, perfect for both new writers and non-plotters. The W-Plot structure allows you freedom to create yet keeps your story on track all the way to that grand satisfying end.

In our post, How to Write a Novel with the W-Plot Template, we break down each step to take the frustration out of plotting and give you tips to write a story readers will love.

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Fiction Writing: What is a Character’s ‘Ordinary World?’

Does your character live in a world where animals talk? Does he fly a spaceship to work? Or does his ‘ordinary world’ include monsters or a unique culture with specific rules and questionable beliefs? In our post, Fiction Writing: What is a Character’s ‘Ordinary World?’ we show you how to give the reader the set-up pieces needed to understand your character and how he fits in with his environment before the external events of the plot unfold.

Does your character live in a world where animals talk? Does he fly a spaceship to work? Or does his ‘ordinary world’ include monsters or a unique culture with specific rules and questionable beliefs?

In our post, Fiction Writing: What is a Character’s ‘Ordinary World?’ we show you how to give the reader the set-up pieces needed to understand your character and how he fits in with his environment before the external events of the plot unfold.

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How to Create S.M.A.R.T. Goals to Keep Your Writing on Track

Do you set goals with your writing only to have them derailed? Do you have trouble finishing a novel or with time management in general? How is an author supposed to maintain a personal life, do household chores, and write—publish—promote their stories without feeling overwhelmed or run ragged? In our post, How to Create S.M.A.R.T. Goals to Keep Your Writing on Track, we show you how to eliminate frustration and hit the needed milestones to write and finish your fictional story.

Do you set goals with your writing only to have them derailed? Do you have trouble finishing a novel or with time management in general? How is an author supposed to maintain a personal life, do household chores, and write—publish—promote their stories without feeling overwhelmed or run ragged? In our post, How to Create S.M.A.R.T. Goals to Keep Your Writing on Track, we show you how to eliminate frustration and hit the needed milestones to write and finish your fictional story.

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How to Use Themes in Your Fictional Story

Do you know your story’s theme? Or the difference between a theme and a moral? A theme is the glue that holds your story together and without one, your readers may find themselves scratching their heads wondering what your story is really about. In our post, How to Use Themes in Your Fictional Story, we give examples of theme, how to weave theme into your story for greater focus, and the right and wrong way to reveal theme at the end of your fictional masterpiece.

Do you know your story’s theme? Or the difference between a theme and a moral? A theme is the glue that holds your story together and without one, your readers may find themselves scratching their heads wondering what your story is really about.
In our post, How to Use Themes in Your Fictional Story, we give examples of theme, how to weave theme into your story for greater focus, and the right and wrong way to reveal theme at the end of your fictional masterpiece.

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Fiction Writing: What is a Pinch Point?

It is hard enough to learn how to develop an interesting character and plot a fictional story that captures a reader’s interest. But what is a pinch point? How many are there in a fictional story and how are they used? Many seasoned writers do not even know! In Fiction Writing: What is a Pinch Point? we demystify the term and show how inserting significant emotion-packed pinch points into your fictional story can help motivate characters to pursue their story goal.

As an aspiring writer, it is hard enough to learn how to develop an interesting character and plot a fictional story that captures a reader’s interest. But what is a pinch point? How many are there in a fictional story and how are they used? Many seasoned writers do not even know!

In Fiction Writing: What is a Pinch Point? we demystify the term and show how inserting significant emotion-packed pinch points into your fictional story can help motivate characters to pursue their story goal.

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Learn to Plot Fiction Writing Series: Story Analysis of the movie “Marry Me”

The best way to learn story structure is to analyze good stories. Can you readily identify each plot point in every movie you see or book you read? Or do terms like ‘inciting incident,’ ‘midpoint reversal,’ and ‘black moment’ leave you confused? In our Learn to Plot Fiction Writing Series: Story Analysis of the movie “Marry Me” we show you how to recognize each element and provide a Free Plot Template so you can draft satisfying, high-quality stories of your own.

The best way to learn story structure is to analyze good stories. Can you readily identify each plot point in every movie you see or book you read? Or do terms like ‘inciting incident,’ ‘midpoint reversal,’ and ‘black moment’ leave you confused? In our Learn to Plot Fiction Writing Series: Story Analysis of the movie “Marry Me” we show you how to recognize each element and provide a Free Plot Template so you can draft satisfying, high-quality stories of your own.

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How to Find a Writing Group: Tips for New Authors

Are you eager to connect with like-minded authors and build meaningful writing friendships? Our post How to Find a Writing Group: Tips for New Authors is tailor-made for you. Writing does not have to be a solitary journey. It can be filled with friends who also aspire to take their writing to the next level. There are many groups that authors can join to help them with motivation, accountability, and guidance in their writing careers.

Are you eager to connect with like-minded authors and build meaningful writing friendships? Our post How to Find a Writing Group: Tips for New Authors is tailor-made for you. Writing does not have to be a solitary journey. It can be filled with friends who also aspire to take their writing to the next level. There are many groups that authors can join to help them with motivation, accountability, and guidance in their writing careers.

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7 Tips for Writing a Story Synopsis

Ask any writer about the dreaded story ‘synopsis’ and you will most likely hear lots of moans and groans. How do you condense the plot of an entire book into just 2 or 3 pages? What should be included? How should it be formatted? How should characters be introduced? Join us as we discuss 7 Tips to Write a Story Synopsis to help simplify the process so that you can confidently and successfully write a story synopsis with ease.

Ask any writer about the dreaded story ‘synopsis’ and you will most likely hear lots of moans and groans. How do you condense the plot of an entire book into just 2 or 3 pages? What should be included? How should it be formatted? How should characters be introduced?

Join us as we discuss 7 Tips to Write a Story Synopsis to help simplify the process so that you can confidently and successfully write a story synopsis with ease.

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